Land-Based Strategic Weapons Dong Feng-3/3A IRBM (CSS-2)  Year Deployed: 1971
Dimensions: 19 meters length, 2.25 meters diameter
Weight: 55,000 kilograms
Propulsion: Single stage liquid
Throw-weight: 2,150 kilograms
Range: 2,000 or 3,000 kilometers
Guidance: Inertial or radio command
Circular Error Probable: 1000 meters
Warhead: Single warhead
Yield: 2 megatons
Locations: Northwest China along Russian border: Dalong, Liuchingkou, Xi'an, Kunming, Jianshui, Liankengwang, Xuanhua, Fengrun, and Itu among other regions
Number Deployed: 40 missiles
Primary Contractor: Seventh Ministry of Machine Building (now the Ministry for Space Industry) The Dong Feng (East Wind)-3 was the first truly indigenous
Chinese ballistic missile. Its U.S. name is the CSS-2 (Chinese Surface-to Surface missile). The DF-3's predecessor was the Dong Feng-2 (CSS-1), essentially a copy of the Soviet SS-2
Shyster. Rather than repeat the difficult experience with the DF-2's volatile liquid oxygen fuel, the DF-3 was the first of a series of Chinese missiles that would utilize storable liquid
fuels. The Cuban missile crisis had illustrated that missiles with non-storable fuels (such as the SS-3s and SS-4s on Cuba) were ineffective in international crises. They took too long to
prepare for launch, and could not be maintained at high alert
levels. The DF-3's storable liquid fuel was an interim answer to this problem, but it was not until the 1980s and the JL-1 SLBM that the Chinese would
perfect an even more stable solid propellent.8
The original design target of the DF-3 was the two U.S. military installations in the Philippines: Clark AFB and Subic Bay naval base. However, the
missiles were retargeted at Soviet population centers in the central and eastern U.S.S.R. after the Sino-Soviet border clashes of 1969. The DF-3A, an
improved variant with even longer range (3,800 kilometers), entered service in 1986. To make up for inaccuracy and small numbers of warheads, the
DF-3, and indeed most of the Chinese nuclear arsenal, uses comparatively high yield warheads.
The DF-3 is dispersed at remote sites in northwest China along the border with Russia, and has presurveyed launch sites for its mobile trailer
erector launchers. The sites are hidden in valleys and caves to make detection and targeting difficult. The DF-3 had been described as the backbone
of the Chinese missile force, with approximately 100 deployed in the 1980's according to the DIA.9
Today, however, the DF-3 has become outdated and is being retired, as China's focus shifts to longer-range missiles.
Dong Feng-4 ICBM (CSS-3)
Year Deployed: 1980 
Dimensions: 31 meters length, 2.25 meters diameter
Weight: 82,000 kilograms
Propulsion: Two stage liquid
Throw-weight: 2,200 kilograms
Range: 4,750 kilometers
Guidance: Inertial
Circular Error Probable: 1,370 meters
Warhead: Single warhead
Yield: 2 megatons
Locations: Qinghai, Tongdao, and Sundian
Number Deployed: 20 missiles
Primary Contractor: Seventh Ministry of Machine Building (now the Ministry for Space Industry)
The Dong Feng-4 was developed in tandem with the shorter-ranged Dong Feng-3 IRBM. The project in turn developed essential components, including the entire first
stage, for the subsequent Dong Feng-5 ICBM. U.S. analysts considered the Dong Feng-4 as a stopgap measure until the longer-range Dong Feng-5 — a true ICBM — was available.
The civilian counterpart to the Dong Feng-4 is the Long March-1 (LM-1), which was used for the first successful Chinese satellite launch in 1970. Reportedly, all Chinese
strategic missiles, including the Dong Feng-4, received software upgrades in 1985 that improved their accuracy. The original design goal for the DF-4 was to be able to strike
the U.S. air base at Guam (Andersen AFB.) After the deterioration in relations with the Soviet Union, the target was shifted and the capabilities
enhanced so the DF-4 would be able to hit the major cities of the western Soviet Union. In particular, the missile was designed to strike the Soviet
capital, and has been referred to as the "Moscow missile." There was considerable debate about basing, with the original intention being silos, and
subsequent rail mobile tests. The final decision was a mixture of basing in caves and silos.
The DF-4 was the first Chinese missile deployed in underground silos. They are raised to surface level before firing, much like the early U.S. Titans
and Atlases. The cave-deployed versions were designed to be rolled out from their tunnels to their launch pads, fueled, and fired. There are also
launch sites designed for the DF-4 at several test launch sites, which could be used to fire any reserve missiles. Dong Feng-5/5A ICBM (CSS-4) Year Deployed: 1981
Dimensions: 35 meters length, 3.35 meters diameter
Weight: 190,000 kilograms
Propulsion: Two stage liquid
Throw-weight: 3,200 kilograms
Range: 13,000 kilometers
Guidance: Inertial
Circular Error Probable: Unknown
Warhead: Single warhead
Yield: 5 megatons
Locations: Luoning, Jiuquan space launch site, Wuzhai test range
Number Deployed: 20 missiles
Primary Contractor: Seventh Ministry of Machine Building (now the Ministry of Space Industry) The Dong Feng-5 is China's only true ICBM. U.S. intelligence
estimates claim that China may have as many as 100 by 2015. The DF-5 program is an outgrowth of DF-4 testing and development. The missile's tested range estimates vary widely,
from a low of 7,000 kilometers to a high of 15,000 kilometers reported by observers. The missile has been compared to the heavy Soviet SS-18 ICBM.
The civilian version of the DF-5 is known as the Long March 2C (or by the alternate Chinese designation Chang Zheng-2C, CZ-2C.) This launcher has been used heavily by the Chinese
space program, and has been launching satellites into space since 1975, five years before the ICBM version was completed.
These are the only missiles in China's arsenal capable of hitting the continental United States. In 1983, several underwent improvements (designated
the DF-5A) to increase their range from 11,000 to 13,000 kilometers, and their payload to 3,200 kilograms. The missile can hit targets throughout
Russia, Europe, and North America. There are several silos at test centers, as well as numerous empty silos, akin to the proposed MX "shell game"
system where only a few silos have active missiles in them. China could rapidly convert its existing fleet of CZ-2 civilian space launchers into DF-5 ICBMs with a minimum of effort.
Further modernization of the land-based missile continues. It is likely that China is working on two new warheads, one with a yield of 100-200 kilotons,
and another with a yield of 600-700 kilotons. Future land-based missiles include the Dong Feng-31, a single warhead (100-200 kiloton) missile with an 8,000 kilometer range. This missile will
likely be silo-based and solid fueled. Deployment is expected by 2005. The DF-41 program has likely been canceled. Dong Feng-15 SRBM (CSST-600 or M-9)  Year Deployed: 1991
Dimensions: 9.1 meters length, 1.0 meters diameter
Weight: 6,200 kilograms
Propulsion: Solid propellant
Throw-weight: 950 kilograms
Range: 600 kilometers
Guidance: Inertial
Circular Error Probable: 300 meters
Warhead: Single warhead
Yield: Unknown
Locations: Unknown
Number Deployed: Unknown
Primary Contractor: First Academy of the Ministry of Aero-Space Industry Development of the M series of tactical short-range ballistic
missiles began in the early 1980s. Three versions are known, the M-9, M-11, and M-18 — the M designations are used for the export versions. The version believed most likely to serve in
a nuclear role is the M-9, also known as the DF-15. This version was first flight-tested in 1988. The DF-15/M-9 is reportedly transported on a wheeled 8x8 transporter erector
vehicle (TEL) capable of launching the missile in the field. Libya reportedly purchased 140 M-9 missiles in 1989, allegedly passing on 80 of them to Syria. There have also been
longstanding rumors of M-9 sales to Pakistan, Iran and Egypt.
It is not known whether the Chinese DF-15s are fitted with nuclear weapons — it may use only conventional warheads. It has been heavily advertised
for sale, with major selling points being its 30 minute reaction time and accuracy of under 600 meters. The early M-9 sales contradict the usual
Chinese practice of developing and deploying a weapon with its own forces before export. The highly publicized "missile tests" which took place in the
Taiwan Straits in July and September 1995, and the exercises in March 1996 involved DF-15 test shots. This missile is largely seen as a modern,
more accurate, and more reliable replacement for the aging Scud-type missiles.
Dong Feng-21/21A IRBM (CSS-6)
Year Deployed: 1985
Dimensions: 10.7 meters length, 1.4 meters diameter
Weight: 14,700 kilograms
Propulsion: Two stage, solid fuel
Throw-weight: 600 kilograms
Range: 1,800 kilometers
Guidance: Inertial
Circular Error Probable: Unknown
Warhead: Single warhead
Yield: 200-300 kilotons
Locations: Unknown
Number Deployed: 48 missiles
Primary Contractor: Same as the solid fueled JL-1 The DF-21 is the land-based version of the Julang-1 SLBM, China's first solid fueled ballistic missile. The specifications for
the DF-21 are essentially the same as the JL-1, except the range is slightly longer, at 1,800 kilometers. It is difficult to determine numbers deployed, as these missiles are supposedly
the same as the JL-1s. This solid fuel design seems to indicate the future of Chinese missiles, as the short range DF-15/M-9
is also built this way, and the DF-31 and DF-41 ICBMs under development likewise use solid propellant. This is an improvement over the storable
liquid fueled missiles (DF-3, DF-4, DF-5), which are higher maintenance and bring greater delays and dangers than those using solid propellant.
The DF-21 is also the first truly road-mobile Chinese missile, mounted on a transporter erector launcher (TEL) vehicle. The missiles use a cold
launch technique similar to that used on the Xia SSBN — they are ejected from their container and the engines ignite while airborne. The DF-21A
variant reportedly has a decreased weight and a slightly longer range. Likely targets are urban areas in Russia. Sea-Based Strategic Weapons Xia (Type 092) SSBN  Year Deployed: 1987
Displacement: 6,500 tons dived
Dimensions: 120 meters length, 10 meters height, 8 meters diameter
Propulsion: Nuclear, 1 shaft
Speed: 22 knots dived
Missiles: 12 JL-1 SLBMs
Locations: Unknown
Number Deployed: 1 submarine
Primary Contractor: Unknown The first operational Chinese ballistic missile submarine was a
long time in coming. It had its origin in a conventional-powered Golf class submarine that was assembled from Soviet parts in 1964. The Golf tested the JL-1 SLBM and has been a training
and test vessel for Chinese SLBMs and SSBN crews. It can carry two missiles in the sail, and given time, could be outfitted in a crisis and deployed with operational weapons.
The Xia's production was greatly delayed by difficulties with producing a safe and reliable nuclear reactor. The vessel was in development for 20 years as a result. The Xia was built at the
Huludao shipyard northeast of Beijing alongside the Han class nuclear attack subs (SSNs). That design influenced the Xia's final form.
There is some doubt as to the number of operational Xia submarines. Both one and two have been quoted by various sources — the Chinese have
stated two are operational, but it is unknown if both have conducted operational patrols with their missiles. In 2001, some intelligence sources
classified the Xia as inoperative. Some sources indicate China has begun a program to build four to six new SSBNs, which will each carry 16
three-stage Julang II SLBMs with intercontinental range. This project is many years from realization. The Xia is not known to have ever ventured outside of China's territorial waters.
Julang 1 (CSS-N-3)  Year Deployed: 1988
Dimensions: 10 meters length, 1.5 meters diameter
Weight: 13,800 kilograms
Propulsion: Two stage solid
Throw-weight: 600 kilograms
Range: >1,000 kilometers
Guidance: Inertial
Circular Error Probable: Unknown
Warhead: Single warhead
Yield: 2 megatons
Locations: Xia SSBN
Number Deployed: 12 missiles
Primary Contractor: Unknown, but different than for the Dong Feng missiles The Julang-1 (JL-1, or Giant Wave), referred to by the U.S. as
the CSS-N-3, is a short-range-submarine launched ballistic missile. It was developed throughout the late 1970's, with the first test firings in 1982 -- initially from a submerged firing
pontoon, and then from China's Golf II test submarine. Though the solid-fuel JL-1 technology was developed separately from the older Dong Feng-missiles, this improved method will be
used in China's future missiles. The JL-1 took about 15 years to develop, primarily because of difficulties in using solid propellant (this was the first Chinese
missile not to use liquid fuel), problems with the smaller warhead, problems with underwater launching, and difficulties with the Xia nuclear submarine itself.
A follow on missile, the JL-2 (CSS-NX-4) is likely in the final stages of development. It will have a much longer range, on the order of 8,000
kilometers, solid propellant and a single 100-200 kiloton warhead. Despite the single warhead limitation, the increase in range will give China an effective sea-based deterrent.
Air-Based Strategic Weapons Hong-6 (B-6 or Tu-16 Badger) Year Deployed: 1965
 Dimensions: 34.8 meters length, 10.4 meters height, 34.2 meters wingspan
Weight: 75,800 kilograms maximum takeoff
Propulsion: 2 Wopen-8 turbojets
Throw-weight: 4,500 kg
Range: 3,100 kilometers
Speed: .91 Mach
Maximum Loadout: 1-3 bombs (1 bomb likely)
Weapon Load: 4,500 kilograms
Yield: Unknown
Locations: Datong (Qinghai) and other bases
Number Deployed: 100aircraft
Primary Contractor: Xi'an Aircraft Company The Hong-6 is now the only long-range bomber in China's inventory, since the retirement of the Hong-5, a copy of the
Soviet Il-28 Beagle. The Hong 6 itself is a copy of the Tu-16 Badger, which joined Soviet forces in 1955. The Chinese acquired licensing rights and began producing their own in
the 1960s. The capabilities of the H-6 are assumed the same as the Tu-16. The primary role of the H-6 is thought to be conventional, with a
secondary nuclear one. Designed as a high-altitude bomber, this obsolete aircraft has very poor qualities for penetrating air defenses. Range estimates vary, but it is within range of U.S.
forces in the Pacific, as well as Russian urban areas east of
the Urals. Though Russian versions carried up to four nuclear bombs, the Chinese have showed foreign observers that the H-6 has a nuclear bomb
rack for only one weapon. There are approximately 120 H-6 bombers in the Air Force, with another 50 in non-nuclear anti-shipping roles (H-6D). The
H-6 has been instrumental in Chinese weapon development, with modifications made to the design of operational weapons as a result of its testing.
The H-6 was used to drop several live weapons in nuclear tests at the Lop Nor site in the 1960s.
To modernize its airforce, China has been purchasing aircraft and production rights from Russia. They have acquired production rights for the Su-27
and purchased 38 SU-30s - the two-seat version of the SU-27. China began production of the SU-27 in 1998. It is not clear that either aircraft is
expected to take on a nuclear role, although both can be so configured. Qiang-5 (A-5) Year Deployed: 1970
 Dimensions: 15.65 meters length, 4.33 meters height, 9.86
meters wingspan
Weight: 6,375 kilograms empty, 11,380 kilograms maximum takeoff weight
Propulsion: 2 x Wopen-6 turbofans
Maximum Weapon Load: 1,500 kilograms
Range: 400 kilometers (hi-lo-hi)
Speed: Mach 1.12
Weapon Load: 2,000 kilograms
Maximum Loadout: One gravity bomb in internal weapon bay
Locations: Unknown
Number Deployed: 30 aircraft (estimated nuclear capable)
Primary Contractor: Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Company The Qian-5 (referred to by NATO as the A-5 "Fantan") is a
Chinese redesign of the Soviet MiG-19 fighter. The primary visual difference is the addition of a nose cone and the addition of lateral air intakes on either side of the fuselage just forward
of the swept wings. The Qian-5 is a single-seat, supersonic low-level attack aircraft. There are 10 hard points for attaching munitions, as well as two 23 millimeter cannons. The pilot is
safeguarded with armor plating around the cockpit as well as an ejection seat. Nearly 1,000 aircraft were built, with 550-600 of the improved
Q-5A variant. An unknown number of the Q-5As were modified
to carry nuclear weapons. The assumption is that this number is small, with perhaps a regiment of 30 aircraft assigned to the nuclear role. A Q-5
used a loft bombing technique in a Chinese nuclear test in 1972. Though aging, the Q-5 retains good low-level attack capability and speed, assets the H-6 bomber lacks.
China has been working on a supersonic fighter-bomber, the Hong-7, often compared to the European Tornado. However the few that will be
produced (less than 20) will be used as a naval strike aircraft, not in the nuclear role. Gravity Bomb
Year Deployed: Unknown
 Dimensions: Unknown
Weight: Unknown
Circular Error Probable: Unknown
Yield: Unknown -- strategic version approximately 3 megatons, tactical version 5-20 kilotons
Locations: Unknown
Number Deployed: Unknown
Primary Contractor: Unknown Very little is known of Chinese gravity bombs other than they exist. The Qian-5 attack aircraft has been reported as carrying
a tactical nuclear weapon with a yield of 5-20 kilotons. Several bombs have been dropped by Hong-6 bombers in atmospheric nuclear tests (like the one pictured above) with yields ranging
from 15 kilotons (12/24/67) to 4 megatons (11/17/76). Given the range of yields in airborne nuclear tests, the Chinese probably have at least two bomb variants: a tactical one with a low kiloton
yield, and a strategic one in the 1-3 megaton range. Like the Soviets, the Chinese rely mainly on ballistic missiles to deliver nuclear weapons. This fact, and the fact that the Chinese
arsenal is extremely small compared to those of the United States and Russia, explains China's vehement opposition to relaxation or abrogation of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty
(ABM) between the Soviet Union and the United States. China's air delivery vehicles — the Hong-6 and the Qian-5 — are both aging platforms that lack the ability to penetrate air defenses. Non-Strategic Weapons
Due to effective Chinese secrecy about its nuclear weapons program, it is unknown whether China has tactical nuclear weapons. The general
assumption, however, is that it does indeed possess them. This is supported by evidence from various sources, including Chinese military exercises
that assume the use of tactical nuclear weapons by both sides.
Such weapons might consist of about 150 low-yield bombs, artillery shells, multiple-rocket system (MRS) shells, atomic demolition mines, and
perhaps short-range missiles. These were probably deployed in the 1970's, in large measure as a response to the increased tensions with the Soviets
and a possibility of combat along the Sino-Soviet frontier. Atomic demolition mines, for example, might be used to close mountain passes and
otherwise hamper invading troops. In 1986, Vice Minister of Defense Xiao Ke told a French delegation that China did not have tactical nuclear
weapons assigned at the army divisional level, but refused to comment on higher echelons. There was even a report that a 1988 test was of a low yield
"neutron" or enhanced radiation weapon. All information http://www.cdi.org |
